Wonderful news – the state government has updated its Speed Zoning Policy to include 30 km/h!
Speed Zoning Principles
The policy includes a Speed Zoning Determination Framework that covers most situations, based on Speed Zoning Principles, which include Community Wellbeing:
Speed limits should be set at a level that enables access to all transport modes, including active transport modes, and generates benefits for amenity, economic, public health, accessibility and environmental outcomes. The Movement and Place philosophy recognises that streets perform multiple functions. This is particularly relevant to local streets and activity centres where users expect lower speed limits to improve amenity and enjoyment of these environments. Everyone who uses roads and streets should be able to choose a transport option that suits their needs. This includes all road users, including drivers and passengers, as well as helping people feel safe to walk, cycle, or travel with children.
Local Government has a discretionary power
The policy states that local governments have the power to set the speed limits on local streets, subject to departmental authorisation:
Speed Zoning Determination Framework
The policy presents a Speed Zoning Determination Framework, with guidance on how to use the framework for several types of streets; we’ve selected some examples.
City Streets
City Streets can include Yarra’s activity centres, such as Brunswick Street, Smith Street, Victoria Street, Bridge Road, and Swan Street. The policy states that these streets should be 30 km/h unless they have separated cycling facilities.
Local streets
Local streets can include most of Yarra’s council-controlled streets. The policy states that 30 km/h may be selected for a network of local streets with a high proportion of active travel, or where those streets have been calmed.
School Speed Zones
The policy highlights 30 km/h for streets abutting the school, or for an active travel precinct around each school.
As a minimum requirement, every school must have a school speed zone on any road with a school gate
Training available
Training courses for the new Speed Zoning Policy are available, here’s one example:
Our view
This is a wonderful step forward for a beautiful, liveable and accessible city, offering safety and and amenity for everyone using our streets. Yarra now has the opportunity to expand its existing 30 km/h zone to other areas, such as around each school, and eventually to cover all local streets. Thank you to the team at the Department of Transport and Planning who developed it, and to the state government for approving it. We urge all councils in Victoria to review the policy and apply for a 30 km/h zone in their municipality.
Published 27 August 2025